Winter 2010/11

Bristol Edition FREE!

The lifestyle magazine for parents of babies, toddlers & young children

BambinosBambinos

ISSUENo.3

health

fashion

nutrition

activities

best buys

giveaways

development

Eskimo Kids, (Opposite Zara & Topshop), 27 Penn Street, Cabot Circus, Bristol BS1 3AU Tel: 01179 300 333

www.eskimokids.co.uk

cabotcircusstorenow open

toys

hair

clothing

shoes

W elcome to ourWinter Bambinosmagazine which,

as always, has been a pleasure to write, design and produce.

You will find this issuepacked full of all theregular features, as well as a special gift guidesection with some unique and originalpresent ideas for all your family and friends.

I wish you a wonderfulWinter and look forward to welcoming you to ourSpring issue in March.

www.bambinosmagazine.com

Editor

Jane Bamby

jane@bambinosmagazine.com

Art Director

Richard Cook

richard@bambinosmagazine.com

Sales & Marketing Director

Carlos Martinsinfo@bambinosmagazine.com

Contributors

Liz Attenborough, Louise Barnard,

Vicky Birch, Ailee Breakspear, Rhian Green,

Bryony Johnstone, Jayne Martins,

Becky Milnor, Camilla Rabey, Shawna Spoor

Thanks to Steve Grice for printing services:

www.focusdm.co.uk

Subscriptions

Please email us for information:

subscribe@bambinosmagazine.com

Bambinos is a quarterly magazine

independently published by

Bambinos Magazine Ltd

Bambinos Magazine Ltd is a company

registered in England No. 7185562

The small print. All information contained in this magazine is meant for informational purposes only and is, to the best of our knowledgecorrect at time of going to press. Bambinos Magazine cannot acceptany responsibility for errors or inaccuracies that occur. Readers areadvised to speak to the manufacturer direct with regard to pricing orspecific technical queries on products. Readers are advised to contacta doctor or health visitor with queries that may arise from dietaryor health information if the child(ren) have any specific medicalconditions, circumstances etc that may be present and could beeffected. All submissions to Bambinos Magazine are made on thebasis of a licence to publish in Bambinos Magazine, its associatedwebsites and publications. Any material submitted is sent at theowners risk and, although every care is taken, neither BambinosMagazine or its agents shall be liable for loss or damage. BambinosMagazine may, from time to time, use material which it considers isfreely available within the public domain; if copyrighted material wasever accidentally used, Bambinos Magazine would identify and creditthe copyright holder in its next publication.

Competitions. Terms & Conditions. In addition to any specificallystated terms and conditions, the following applies to all competitions. All information forms part of the rules. All entrants are deemed to haveaccepted the rules and agree to be bound by them. The winner will be the first entry drawn at random from all the entries sent back after the closing date and will be notified by either post, email or telephone.The prizes are as stated; they are non-transferable and no cashalternative will be offered. All entrants must be at least 18 years old.Competitions are open to UK residents only. One entry per person.Proof of postage is not proof of entry. Bambinos Magazine accepts noresponsibility for entries lost or damaged in the post. Entrants agreeto take part in any publicity material relating to the competition. Thename of the winner will be published in the next edition. The judge’sdecision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. Prizes donot include unspecified extras (such as travel). All prizes are subjectto availability. Please state if you do not wish to receive any furthercorrespondence from Bambinos Magazine or competition organisers.You may be required to collect your prize.

PS. As always, I would love to hear your feedback and any ideas about what you would like to see in the future. Please email the editor;jane@bambinosmagazine.com

Jane X

Bambinos Autumn 3

15

12

Bambinos

27

18

8

Here are more of our littleones’ smashing smiles...

Max - 3 months

Thomas - 5 months

Emily - 5 months

Harry - 17 months

Isaac - 5 months

smilesseasonalBambinos

For a chance to see your smiling Bambinofeatured in our Spring issue, please email your details and photo to us at;jane@bambinosmagazine.com

4 Bambinos Winter

Hamish - 19 months

The positive experience of nurturing

touch a llows your baby to feel a deep

sense of love and secu rity

Rebecca is a qualified Neonatal Nurse (RSCN) and certified infant massage instructor with the International Association of Infant Massage (www.iaim.org.uk)

• Relaxation for baby and parent• Improved sleep patterns• Helps relieve wind/colic• Aids babies’ digestion• Strengthens babies’ immune system• Develops babies’ muscle tone & co-ordination• Enhances parent/baby communication• Great opportunity to meet other new parents• Courses run for 5 weeks• Private group home-tuition available

Rebecca AbreyTel: 07739 584 393 • bebemassage@live.com

Clevertrick!up until 7 months, a baby can swallow and breathe at thesame time!

funfacts

5000...the number

of babies born at St. Michaels in Bristol during

2010

Mozartplease!

playing classical music will

increase a baby’sintelligence

Bambinos

regulars

seasonal

706,248...was the amount ofbirths in England and Walesduring 2009

Bambinos and you: We are committed to working with local businesses to develop and provide fresh

and inventive tailored advertising solutions. We offer an extensive choice of options to suit both budget and strategy.

Our highly experienced design team can assist with all stages of the graphic design process to ensure optimum

impact. Contact us to find out how we can help your product and business: jane@bambinosmagazine.com

Hamish - 19 months

Make your own funky baby clothes at a fraction of shop prices in our creative workshop. By using

the simple ITSY TATA patterns it means the garments are quick and easy to make. No previoussewing experience is required and all levels of ability are catered for; even baby can come along!

A one-stop-shop is provided for fabulous fabrics anddetailing or, if recycling is your style, you can takeGrandpa’s old shirt or Aunty’s bloomers and make them into trendy clothes for your little one. ITSY TATAcan also run workshops in your home with groups oflike-minded friends, all you need is a dining table for everyone to sit at and company owner Hanna brings the rest!

Ready-made ITSY TATA dresses, trousers and changemats will be available soon from Born in Gloucester Road, Bristol for anyone who falls in love with the clothes but can’t make a workshop...

www.itsytata.co.uktata@itsytata.co.uk 07804 592349

We Love

!

ITSY TATA celebrates the latest in cost-effective baby fashion and embraces the love of hand-made

Busy lady!the largest number of children born to one woman is recorded at 69

Heads upa newborn babies head makes up 1/4 of its weight

Oliver &

Oliviathe new most popularnames in England

and Wales

NEWSBambinos

Bluebell Nurses is a new

charity in Bristol. It raises

funds for specialist nurses

helping people suffering from post-

natal and ante-natal depression.

It has some great events coming

up in the new year to raise the vital

funding needed for the first Bluebell

Nurse to start working in Bristol.

On May 7th 2011, The first Bluebell

Ball will take place at Raymond

Blanc’s Bakers & Cutlers Halls in

Bristol. With sumptuous food and

wine, live music and DJ’s, the

evening will be glamorous and

stylish and one you won’t want

to miss. Tickets will be on sale

immediately after Christmas,

but tables can be reserved now.

Beating the blues... J&M will hire it!Operating from Nailsea, North Somerset J&M Baby Equipment Hire are a family runbusiness who offer a friendly, professional and reliable service. You can hire a widerange of items including pushchairs, car seats and cots etc - very handy if you are having young children to stay, goingon holiday or simply want to try an item before buying it... J&M are there to help and offer nationwide delivery. Visit the website for more information.

www.jmbabyequipmenthire.co.uk

Save the date...Let your little ones go wild at the CrazyCreatures ToddlerTakeover day in At-Bristol on Friday14th January (See p11 for moreinformation)

www.at-bristol.org.uk

J&M Company Founder, Teresa Lodge with sons

www.bluebellnurses.org

The charity is also looking for

Mothers and Fathers who may

have been affected by depression

during or after pregnancy to take

part in some Focus Groups to

help develop the Bluebell Nurse’s

role, so please get in touch if you

would like to help with these…

Please contact Ruth Jackson at

bluebellnurses@mac.com for

more information.

Organix is launching

tasty Organic

Carrot & Tomato

Rice Cakes,

a new healthy

finger food with

a savoury taste

that baby will

love, and a

great snack

for toddlers.

For more

information visit:

www.organix.com

Organix goes savoury...

Bristol Parenting Hub www.bristolparentinghub.co.uk was launched at earlier this year andserves as a gateway to online information and support to help familiesmake informed choices. The website includes links to local and nationalorganisations covering a wide range of subjects including things to doand places to go for families. It is managed by The Family InformationService which also provides free, impartial information and guidance on a full range of childcare, children's services and resources across theCity of Bristol.

Tel: 0845 129 7217 Email: askcyps@bristol.gov.ukOr visit the website at:

www.bristol-cyps.org.uk/early/family-information-service.html

The annual Bristol Baby & Toddler Show is on March 6th 2011.

Come and meet over 60 exhibitors of everything from nurseries

and swimming classes to photographers and funky nappies!

There's a packed schedule of free demonstrations and talks,

plus free face painting and goody bags for the first 500 families.

Entry is just £3.00 per adult and kids go free.

For further details, please visit:

www.little-monster.co.uk

Don't forget to look out for the new

Little Monster Club in January. More details soon!

Eskimo Kids was founded in CliftonVillage in 2009. Almost two yearslater, it has expanded and recently

relocated to a brand new store in CabotCircus, which is bigger and better butretains all of the things we loved aboutthe original.

The store now boasts a fabulous newshoe department offering a full fittingservice and an incredible range. EskimoKids is proud to be the only start-ritechildren’s shoe stockist in the city centre.

All of the great features of the Cliftonstore are here; the multi-brand clothesdepartment now includes Diesel andTimberland and offers a great choice upto age 14. The fabulous toy departmenthas grown as well and offers a wonderfulenvironment where the kids can playwhile you browse...

Eskimo Kids is a favourite of Bambinosand well worth a visit!

Jon Rathbone gave up his legal career

at Osborne Clarke in Bristol to design

a non-spill potty. The Pourty potty has won

two Golds and two Silvers from Practical

Parenting Magazine and Practical Pre-School,

including a Gold for ‘Best New Product to

Market 2010’.

The Pourty has a unique pouring duct making

it easier to empty and clean than a normal

potty and toddlers find the sturdy plastic

and wide seating area comfortable to sit on.

Available from Tesco and Boots.

www.pourty.com

Picture perfect...

A potty idea!

Bristol based, Nevil Lane Studio provides a

full styling and photography service for kids.

Studio founders' Jaine Bevan and Jacqueline

Daly apply their contemporary fashion styling

and photography experience to childrens

portraiture - offering an alternative to the

traditional studio style. The result is stunning

images that capture children in a much

more natural, current and stylish way.

www.nevillanestudio.com

Eskimo Kids (Opposite Zara & Topshop)27 Penn Street, Cabot Circus, Bristol BS1 3AU

Telephone: 01179 300333 www.eskimokids.co.uk

In our previous 2 editions of Bambinos, Becky Milnor from GymboreeBristol described the stages of baby development from newborn to 12months old. Now she guides us through the stages of physical development

in children aged 12-24 months. Becky is a qualified Paediatric Physiotherapistand has 2 young children: Felix, age 3 and Sophia, 21 months. She is also theowner of Gymboree Play & Music in Bristol.

In the second year of life, a toddler continues to become more mobile, agileand generally active. During this time they develop complex gross motorskills enabling them to walk, run, jump, throw a ball and even start to pedala tricycle independently. As their motor skills develop they are also able tocarry out self-care activities such as feeding themselves with a spoon,holding and drinking from a cup and taking off socks, shoes and hats.

12 to 15 monthsMost children are taking their first tentative steps at around one year of age. Duringthe early stages of walking their feet are wide apart and turned out with a ‘waddling’gait all to help their balance. As a child continues to practise their walking skillsand their muscle strength improves they eventually learn to walk independently,usually by 15 months of age. Over the next few months a toddler’s balancebecomes more stable and they learn to plan the movements required to negotiateobstacles (motor planning). These new skills enable a child to explore theirenvironment further and experience new obstacles. As children become moremobile they become curious about the stairs and learn to climb up stairs on allfours and then come down backwards. Children learn to get themselves in to thestanding position from sitting on the floor and then lower themselves, but as it isnot well controlled it is usually with a bump at this stage.

Activities to help your child’s standing balance and encourage walking

• Introduce push-along toys e.g. a wooden trolley • Encourage your child to take steps between 2 pieces of furniture

or 2 adults• Walk around the home with child holding on to your hand, giving

them as little support as possible i.e. holding on to your fingers• Encourage your child to climb up stairs going on all fours

(adult close behind for safety)

Babydevelopment

8 Bambinos Winter

15 to 18 monthsAround the age of 15 months, children begin to climb stairs, furniture, obstacles andtheir high chairs, but they will struggle to get back down once they reach the top. As their leg muscle strength improves and they become more stable children are ableto squat down to play with a toy and recover to the standing position. They are able tomove more easily on their feet, walking backwards, sideways and in circles and oftenenjoy walking whilst carrying a toy/teddy or pulling a toy behind them. They may alsolearn to run at this stage, but frequently fall over as their balance is not yet matured.

Activities to promote gross motor skills in children aged 15 – 18 months

• Encourage kicking a ball• Going to the playground/park and using the large play equipment• Swimming• Using sit and ride on toys• Walking outside on different surfaces i.e uneven ground, on sand, walking up slopes

18 to 24 monthsNear to the end of their second year, toddlers begin to develop complex gross motor skills,such as throwing a ball, jumping and pedalling a tricycles. Their walking and running gaitsnow mature giving them a narrower stance and their feet begin to turn inwards. They can goup stairs on their own, with 2 feet on each step but may need some help climbing back down.By 24 months of age a child can often jump on the spot, balance on one foot for a shortperiod and may even have developed the balance, muscle strength and motor planninginvolved to pedal a tricycle.

Ways to promote gross motor skills for children aged 18 – 24 months

• Practise riding and pedalling a tricycle• Use an enclosed small trampoline to encourage jumping• Create a soft play area at home - lay down sofa cushions, duvet, pillows and cushions

and encourage your child to climb over the obstacles• Target games - demonstrate to your child throwing balls/bean bags in to a target

i.e a basket/box• Encourage running games - call out ‘ready, steady, go’ and then ‘stop’.

Set up an obstacle course in your home with toys/ objects for your child to negotiate

By the end of their second year toddlers are very mobile and can run and walk quickly from oneplace to another, however they are still refining the ability to stop themselves once they get startedand are therefore prone to bumps and bruises! A toddler’s development has taken a huge leap fromtheir first to their second birthday. During that year a child has often learned to walk, run, climb,jump and even pedal a tricycle. They are now independent with some self-care activities and aregaining speed and agility all the time.

These milestones are only a guide, all children are individual and develop at different rates. If you are concerned about your child’s development, please see your health visitor or GP.

To find out more about Gymboree and how it can aid your baby’s development

call 07865 420692, email bristol@gymboree-uk.com or visit www.gymboree-uk.com

Bambinos Winter 9

development

At Belmont House Osteopaths, we are a friendly

practice dedicated to offering the highest standards

of care, catering to the needs of the individual, from

the newborn to the elderly.

We can help with a wide range of conditions, from everyday low back pain,

sciatica and sports injuries to migraines, frozen shoulder and tennis elbow.

As well as providing safe and complete care from pregnancy through to

childbirth, we offer specialist paediatric Osteopathy for common

childhood complaints including colic type symptoms, mis-shapen head,

glue ear, feeding and sleeping difficulties.

For more information and to see how we can help, please contact our

registered osteopaths, Nina Leadbeater or Laura Humphries

on 0117 3770518.

Osteopathy and Complementary therapiesfor the whole family...

GOsC registered Osteopaths & Complementary Therapists All major health insurance providers accepted

www.belmonthouseosteopaths.co.uk

Belmont House - Gloucester Rd - Bristol - BS34 5BQ Tel. 0117 377 0518

We now offerindividual and small group Pilates tuition with our instructor Zoe Rayne.Please visit the websitewww.adaltapilates.co.ukfor more information

At Woodland House and Archfield Housenurseries, you can be assured of happy,contented children all the time. our expert staff recognise the importance of playful learning in a fun and lively social environment...

We look aer children aged 0-5 and would love to show you what we do; Why not book a visit to find out how we can make the most of your precious little ones nursery years.

Archfield House NurseryTel: 0117 94221202 Archfield Road, Cotham. BS6 6BEoffice@archfieldhousenursery.co.uk

Woodland House NurseryTel: 0117 946 71451 Woodland Road, Clion. BS8 1Auoffice@woodlandhousenursery.co.uk

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12 Bambinos Winter

Dear Readers

We are excited to announce

a major new fundraising

campaign, the ‘Cots for Tots’

Appeal, to help save the

lives of premature and

critically ill babies in

Bristol and throughout the

South West region.

Recently launched by the Grand

Appeal, ‘Cots for Tots’ is

looking to raise £1 million

for the Neo-natal Intensive

Care Unit (NICU) at St Michael’s

hospital in Bristol. The money

will provide a new suite of

four intensive care cots and

surrounding medical equipment

as well as new, dedicated

en-suite family accommodation.

This will help the Unit meet

the demand for its unique

service by increasing cot

capacity and enabling more

babies to be treated each year

and allowing more families to

stay close to their babies at

such a difficult time.

Evie and Leo are just two of

the very special babies that

spent months fighting for

their little lives at the

NICU. We hope that their

remarkable stories will inspire

you to support the Cots for

Tots fundraising campaign.

Very best wishes

The Grand Appeal team

Bambinos

Evie's Story...Evie's parents Matt and Sarah, have seen their fair

share of traumatic incidents in their respective jobs

with the Police and Ambulance Service. However,

nothing could have prepared them for the huge

emotional rollercoaster ahead, when Sarah went into

early labour and Evie was born at St Michael’s, 15

weeks premature and weighing just 1lb 9oz.

Evie spent the first three months of her life in intensive

care, followed by a further two months getting strong

and well enough to go home. Matt and Sarah, said:

"Getting our first glimpse of Evie at a few hours old

was a complete shock and we will never forget just

how tiny and precious she looked. The last five

months have been so traumatic and at times we

didn't think she was going to make it.

"We can't thank everyone at NICU enough for their

fantastic care and support, which has enabled us

to look forward to a future for Evie."

‘Cots for Tots’AppealSupporting the

Ben and Charlotte Howarth fromLong Ashton with their baby son Leo..

For a free ‘Cots for Tots’ fundraising pack

Tel: 0800 919649, email: info@cotsfortots.org.uk

or visit: www.cotsfortots.org.uk

Bambinos Winter 13

Leo’s Story... Baby Leo arrived by emergency caesarean

weighing 6lb 10oz, but not able to breathe and

parents Ben and Charlotte's first glimpse of their

son was him being rushed past in a tiny incubator

attached to tubes, fighting for his life.

Leo spent the first two weeks of his life in intensive

care, before moving to a high dependency unit.

He underwent numerous tests before being

diagnosed, aged 5 weeks, with 'Pierre Robin

Sequence' which means he has a small jaw that

pushes his tongue back and makes breathing

and feeding unaided extremely difficult.

Exactly 16 weeks after Leo was born he was

finally well enough to go home.

"We are so grateful and overwhelmed by the

level of care Leo and ourselves have received

at the NICU that we have given Leo the middle

name Michael in recognition of the hospital that

saved his life."

The Cots for Tots Charity Single!

Listen to the musical tribute by

Bristol ‘rockstar’ Alan Calloway

to his premature twins George

and Esme, in the song ‘I’ll be

your Hot Cot’, as he shares

his and wife Gill’s experience

at NICU when the babies

were born nine weeks early.

The cd is on sale at:

www.cotsfortots.org.uk/menu-page/news

Lauren Vincent, left, community fundraiser for Cots forTots, with NICU senior consultant Pam Cairns, right andthe Harris family from Hengrove - Matt and Sarah withdaughters Isobel, four and Evie, five months. Tinsel for Tots

Dress up in some festive tinsel sparkle

on Friday December 10th and donate

a pound to ‘Cots for Tots’ - and

encourage as many friends, work

colleagues, playgroups and

schools to join in the fun too!

To register to take part, please visit:

www.tinselfortots.org.uk or

call 0800 919 649 for a free

fundraising pack.

And we’re looking for the best dressed

up kids in town! Send pictures of your

tinsel tots to info@cotsfortots.org.uk and

we’ll display them in our special gallery on

our website with prizes for the most sparkly!

charity

Bambinos Winter 15

Once upon a time...

Rory’s Story Cubes® in its simplest form is a storytelling game; an infinite story generator,providing hours of imaginative play for all ages. 9 cubes, 54 images, 10,000,000+combinations, = unlimited stories!

Available at local bookshops and:www.amazon.co.uk

Charmed I’m Sure!

A flash of colour mixed with personalisedChambers & Beau sterling silver charms make

for the perfect cocktail. Love Knot Friendshipbracelets are their latest offering and are a pretty

addition to any outfit. Gorgeous sterling silverhandcrafted motifs and charms are hand-stampedwith names, dates and messages and strungtogether on a choice of colourful cotton cord.

Tel: 07979 800441www.chambersandbeau.com

Bambinos BEST

BUYS

best buys

16 Bambinos Winter

Bambinos BEST

KidsII Comfort and Harmony collection provides supreme comfort. The exclusiveComfort Surround™ system stylishlyprovides ultimate comfort at every touchpoint for baby. Products feature thepatented Comfort Recline seat, which offers two comfortable recline positionsideal for rest and play; and Whisper Quiet,which creates a virtually noiseless swingoperation, soothing vibrations and sweet,soft signature melodies. While exceedingbaby’s comfort needs, this collection isalso designed to appeal to fashion-forwardparents who prefer softer styling in moresubtle colors. It will have both baby andparents feeling soothed and comfortable! Range priced from £19-£40.

Available at: www.amazon.com

A little life in motion...

Simply fill, squeeze and feed! A compact, dishwashersafe, sterilisable device that allows you to feed yourbaby your way, wherever you are. Perfect for use witha range of foods including fruit, cooked vegetablesand pasta dishes. Simple to use – just fill the bowlwith as much as you need and squeeze the handlesto puree the food. Your baby can now be spoon fedstraight from The Wean Machine™ avoiding the needfor an additional bowl altogether.Great for use athome and a real lifesaver when out and about.

Priced at £19.99. For stockists visit:www.theweanmachine.co.uk

The Wean Machine

Medela’s Freestyle is the first completely hands-freebreast pump which offers a totally new expressingexperience for mums. It enables you to hold the baby,carry out chores or just sit down with a cup of tea byproviding the unique benefit of ultimate freedom when pumping.

Available from major department storeswww.amazon.com

Innovativetechnology

BUYS

Bambinos Winter 17

If you are looking for a girly gift that's a bit different, look no further than the Think Pink website; it is renowned forstylish, quality gifts and accessories forgirls who love all things pink. There's so much to choose from includingchildren's collections, pocket money fun, bedroom accessories, dress-up,home and travel collections and partygoodies. Boys aren't left out though andthat's why there’s a ‘blue2’ section as well with lots of gifts appealing to them.

www.thinkpinkblue2.com

best buys

Pretty‘n’pink

The FlexiBath is the first ever foldable baby bathtub, it resolves storage concerns by folding flat and can fit just about anywhere; against the wall, in a cabinet, under the bed or in a suitcase. It is BPA and PVC free and comes in a wide rangeof colours.

The FlexiBath is priced at £29.95 and is available from www.johnlewis.co.uk

The incredible folding bath!Great

Idea!

The best just got bigger!

Recently listed as one of the UK’s top15 inventions of the decade (by theBritish Library), the Yoomi self-warmingbaby bottle has been reviewed inBambinos’ before and is now availablein a bigger 8oz size (as well as theoriginal 5oz version) it’s the ideal bottle for transitional and combinationfeeding, can be used with or withoutthe warmer, and has all the benefitsand features of the original.

Available from Mothercare.For more information visit:

www.yoomi.com

But are these the only reasons forswimming with your baby?

Baby swimming originally evolved out of a desire to ensure that babies are safeand confident in water. However, theexercises used to teach this confidence- gentle rocking, reaching for objects,kicking movements and learning torespond to commands - also provide theperfect stimulation for your baby’s brain.

In the first year of life the brain developsmore rapidly than at any other time, and swimming with your baby can have an extremely positive effect on this development, making it even morebeneficial to take to the water with yourlittle ones.

SmartSwimmers!More and more of us are joining structuredswimming classes or heading to the localpool with our babies and toddlers. At Water Babies our little ones love being in water and the sense of freedom it givesthem. Just as importantly, they are learningthe potentially life-saving skill of swimmingfrom a young age.

Article by Vicky Birch, (A Water Babies instructor for 4 years)

Photo taken of sisters Beatrice, 3,and 10 month old Amelia by Kate Westaway for Water Babies

Development of motor skills

Babies love the repetitive movement of bouncing and splishing and splashing inthe pool, and this movement provides fantastic stimulation for the vestibularsystem - which allows us to sense motion and to balance. As this system maturesit will help a baby to keep their head upright, pull themselves up onto their feet,balance, and eventually walk.

Chasing after bright and colourful swim toys in the pool, and grasping hold ofthem to bring them in for a good old chew, is a great exercise for enhancing hand-eye coordination. The cross lateral movement of reaching out is the sameone used in crawling. This not only teaches both sides of the brain to worktogether helping to coordinate not only physical movements but also strengthensnerve pathways between the two sides. Helping the brain store and retrieveinformation more effectively - all great for learning!

One study recently carried out in Iceland (where baby swimming is extremelypopular in their thermal pools!) concluded that, when tested at the age of four,children who had attended baby swimming lessons from a young age showedsignificantly better balance than their peers. Their ball skills and dexterity were also tested with the early water babies achieving better results.

Physical development

It‘s not only motor skills which are benefited by swimming, physically it iswonderful for your baby, and the only form of exercise they can do literally frombirth. Just half an hour in the pool can provide a complete work-out for them (and you!) and parents often comment that their little ones eat and sleep better on swimming days.

Babies can exercise many more muscles in the water than they can on land, andamazingly can swim short distances unaidedfrom when they are tiny. Sessions in the poolare great for strengthening arm, leg and neck muscles, and superb for tiny lungs and cardiovascular fitness.

Swimming will not only make your baby fitterand stronger, you will also notice the differencein their physical ability on land - where regularswimmers have often been shown to crawland walk earlier than their peers.

Emotional development

As babies learn how to manoeuvre in the water on their own, their independenceand self-confidence blossoms, and they enjoy being in the pool more and more.Where they are very dependant on you in the early days, a few months on, a babywill happily swim a short distance between you and their instructor, or splash offthe poolside and into the water all by themselves.

The confidence and self esteem involved in learning to swim will often then betransferred into other aspects of their life. For a toddler, the thrill of grasping a new skill in their lesson, or achieving something they have been working up tofor a while, will be evident in their ear-to-ear grins but may also give them thatconfidence to try new things and increase their interest in learning in general.

Last but certainly not least is the benefit to your baby of all the fun you can havetogether in the pool and just how much they’ll love it! So enjoying a swim, with all these added benefits, is surely conducive to a dip!

Benefits of swimming

• Swimming is one form ofexercise your baby can doliterally from birth. It provides a complete physical work-outand parents often commentthat their little ones eat andsleep better on swimming days

• Babies can exercise moremuscles in the water than onland – they’re less restricted bygravity and can swim shortdistances unaided, exercisingboth their arms and legs andstrengthening neck muscles too

• Their increased strength oftenmanifests itself on land,demonstrated through the early acquisition of physicalskills, such as walking

• Swimming improves a child'scardiovascular fitness. Although babies are limited inhow much they can improvetheir endurance, it will makethem fitter and stronger

• Splishing in the pool, splashingoff the side and chasing andreaching for toys all help toimprove a baby’s coordinationand balance

• Learning to swim is not only a fun-filled and healthy activity, it saves lives

• Swimming is a lovely socialactivity and a great opportunityto get together and meet othernew parents

• Babies love the focusedattention that time together inthe water allows. The skin toskin contact and attentionswimming provides is fantasticfor bonding with your baby

• It’s amazing the skills babies can pick up in a matter of weeks

• Swimming make bath timeeasier as they enjoy playing inthe water

• It’s great fun and a fab activityto do at any time of the yearcome rain or shine

Learning toswim is not only a fun-filled andhealthy activity, it saves lives...

Bambinos Winter 19

Bambinos

WhaT’S hoT For YoUr ToT ThiS WinTEr...

BJack and Rosie stock some great rangeswhich will see your bambino through thisseason! We love the Organics for Kids redladybird creatures romper (pictured right)priced at just £17. The gorgeous Frugiposy cord dress (pictured below) priced at just £24, would make any girl look even more gorgeous!

Available from:Jack and Rosie116 Emersons Way, Emersons Green, BS16 7AS Tel: 0117 9575656

www.jackandrosie.co.uk

Apples and Pairs - A great selection of shoes for boys and girls from size 0 to Euro43. Brands stocked include Start-Rite, BuckleMy Shoe, Geox and KidExpress; a super coolAmerican company thats unique to Applesand Pairs in the UK and is sure to get yourbambino noticed in a crowd. With parkingand a play area it’s only a few minutes fromWestonbirt and Tetbury, so why not make a day of it and enjoy some shoe shopping fun!

5a Church Street, Sherston, Malmesbury,Wiltshire, SN16 0LR. Tel: 01666 841 346

www.applesandpairs.co.uk

B

B

FaShion

B

Binky Bristol blasts off this winterwith their new range of retro inspiredrobots! These super soft, organicbaby tees are perfect for yourbaby's delicate skin and each tee ishandprinted and hand finished togive a high quality tee that you willwant to use again and again.

www.binky-bristol.com

FaShion

Eskimo Kids - This stunning redTimberland gilet, £59.99, is just part of the stunning new collectionin store

These gorgeous, fully waterproofboots by Start-Rite, £45, are justperfect for this Winter, Eskimo Kidsoffers an extensive Start-Rite rangeand shoe fitting service.

These fashionable No Added Sugarplaysuits, £27.99, make a perfectnew baby present as they come ina delightful gift box.

Eskimo Kids, 27 Penn Street,Cabot Circus, Bristol. BS1 3AUTel: 01179 300 333

www.eskimokids.co.uk

B

22 Bambinos Winter

On average, one baby’s disposable nappy waste during thefirst 2.5 years of life will fill 156 black bin bags! Whenyou put it like that it seems worse to me than anystatistical figure that you hear! This is what made me in the first instance use real nappies with my now 6 year old! Did I want to throwaway to landfill 20 disposable nappies every few days ordid I prefer to see washable ones on the line? The answerwas clear to me and so 2 babies later and a business sellingcloth nappies I have become obsessed with the fun andfunky designs of the real nappies of today and love testingand trying out new ones on my 9 month old daughter,Bethan. And what’s more her nappies haven’t cost me a penny as I am re-using my sons!

As a mum and a paediatric nurse, I believe that thematerial in direct contact with a baby's sensitive skin iscentral to his or her comfort. For the first few years of your baby's life, this primarily means your baby's nappy.Everyone takes care to choose soft cotton baby-grows, sowhy neglect your baby's bottom by using nappies madefrom paper, plastic and chemicals.

These days I think most of us are trying to be moreenvironmentally friendly. By choosing to use clothnappies and organic baby care products, you are beingkind to your baby and kind to nature. There are numerous reasons why you may choose to use clothnappies on your baby, many of which are below:

What is in a nappy?

Disposable nappy: • 70% core containing fluff pulp and absorbent chemicals (sodium polyacrylate)

• 10% polypropylene lining • 13% polyethylene cover • 7% other (tapes, elastics, adhesives)

Typical cloth nappy:• 82% soft natural fibre nappy • 18% PUL, fleece or wool wrap

Which would you prefer to put on your baby's bottom?

Disposable or natural cloth nappies? ~ The argument for natural cloth has manybenefits going for it, Rhian Green from Mamigreen discusses...

Disposable?

Bambinos Winter 23

Health

Cloth nappies are made mainly of natural fibres that avoidexposure to the gels and chemicals used in disposablenappies. The fact that babies absorb 60% of what is put on their skin is enough to make any parent concerned aboutthe materials used to make nappies.

Cloth nappies keep babies hips apart at the optimum anglefor hip joint development, and provide more padding andprotection when they start to toddle and fall over! They arebreathable and provide a soft and comfy layer next to yourbaby's skin. Also it is possible that babies in cloth nappiesmay potty train early.

Environment

Whichever type of nappy you use there will be anenvironmental impact. This impact is greater fordisposable nappies. It is a fact that it takes 4.5 trees tomake the disposable nappies a baby will use from birth to 2.5 years old, and that one cupful of crude oil is used to make each disposable nappy. Disposables from one baby make up 50% of the volume of that household'swaste, 8 million disposable nappies being thrown awayevery day in the UK. Most just go to our fast filling landfill sites where they take hundreds of years todecompose, producing methane gas which contributes to global warming.

On the other hand, for cloth nappies the main impact to the environment is washing and drying. However, the great thing is that you have some control over this, by laundering responsibly.

A report commissioned in October 2008 by the UKGovernment's Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) stated that parents who use cloth nappies, wash on a full load, line dry andreuse nappies on their second child can lower the globalwarming impact by 40% over the two and a half years,compared to disposable nappies.

Other tips to help the environment include:

• Buy second hand cloth nappies • Choose environmentally friendly fabrics (unbleached / organic cotton, hemp or bamboo)

• Use washable liners and wipes • Use cloth nappies for more than one child • Try potty training as early as possible • Don't use bleach to soak or wash nappies • Don't iron nappies

Cost

In terms of overall costs, cloth nappies are much cheaperthan disposables. You will save at least £500 with your firstchild, and even more if used again for subsequent children.This saving, of course, includes the cost of all nappies,electricity, detergent and depreciation of machine. The catch is that you have to pay up front for cloth nappies, but just think of the savings in the long run.

Easy to use and wash

Gone are the days of folding nappies, safety pins and moderncloth nappies are shaped to fit like disposables with velcro or popper fastenings. There is no need to soak used nappies;they can be stored in a bucket or a bag and then washed at a maximum of 60°C every 2-3 days.

Fun and funky!

Modern cloth nappies are slim fitting and the wraps come in a fantastic range of colours and designs to co-ordinate withyour baby's outfit, allowing your baby to be stylish as well asmaking an environmental statement!

Rhian works part time as a paediatric nurse and also runswww.mamigreen.co.ukwhich sells all styles of cloth nappies andaccessories; has acomprehensive advice

page and reference charts aimed tohelp those dipping their toes in as wellas an increasingly popular pre-lovedsection. She lives in Wales withher husband and her 3 children.

Mamigreen is running a promotion for Bambinos’ readers this Winter. See page 35 for details...

feature

Bambinos

GETS

1 Make the hats by cutting strips

of tissue paper approximately

62x12cm. Join the ends with

double sided sticky tape to make a

loop Fold in half, and in half again,

and cut one edge to shape the top

of the hat.

2 Cut the wrapping paper to

rectangles 34x18cm. Cut the ends

with pinking shears if you have them

for a zig-zag edge on your crackers.

You might need slightly different

sizes if you have made your own

cardboard tubes.

Homemade Christmas crackers are much morefun than the shop bought variety, and can be as garish or classy as you like. This is a great

school holiday activity and makes a fantastichomemade gift for family and friends.

You will need:

• Plenty of cardboard tubes,

2 per cracker (start saving

them now from your

loorolls, or make some

from rolled up thin card

such as cereal boxes)

• Coloured tissue paper

for the hats

• Christmas wrapping

paper that tears easily

• Curling ribbon, cut

to approximately

35cm lengths

• Cracker snaps (available

from craft stores or online)

• Double sided sticky tape

• A selection of terrible

jokes written or printed

out on slips of paper

• Gifts small enough to

fit inside the cracker

• Scissors

Ideas for gifts:

Instead of the usual plastic

trinkets, why not fill your

crackers with something a

bit different. You could try

packets of seeds, gourmet

chocolates, sugared

almonds, finger puppets,

candy canes, gingerbread

men, Christmas recipes,

beautifully written out

poems, fortune cookies,

stickers, tree decorations…

Christmas Crackers!

Ailee Breakspear

is a work at

home mum

who lives in Bristol

with her partner and

2-year old son.

She is inspired by

beautiful materials and

loves to sew, cut original

patterns, knit, crochet

and make felted and

beaded jewellery. Ailee

is passionate about

finding crafty ways of

using what’s at hand

to make fabulous and

fun pieces.

CraFTY

24 Bambinos Winter

Bambinos Winter 25

3 Put a strip of double sided sticky tape along

one long side of the paper, and two short strips

on the other side. Cut one cardboard tube in

half and arrange as shown in the picture, with

the short lengths of tape holding the ends of

the cracker snap and the short tubes in place.

Leave approximately 5cm gap between the

sections of cardboard tube. Don’t tape the middle tube, or the middle of the

cracker snap as this might stop it ‘snapping’ when it is pulled.

4 Roll it all up so that the long

strip of tape holds it all together.

Twist one end and tie tightly

with the curling ribbon.

5 Put a hat, a joke, and a gift

into the open end and then

twist it and tie tightly shut with

another length of ribbon.

Curl the ribbon ends with the

edge of a pair of scissors

Beautiful products, handmadein Bristol from ethical, vintage

and natural materials

www.aileemadethis.co.uk

CraFTYI Love you

Mummy! x

26 Bambinos Winter

For

Jack & Rosie have a fantastic range of presents

which we adore; The Kiddimoto Police Balance

Bike is ideal for children aged 2 to 6 years and

helps them learn balance needed for a pedal

bike later on. The stunning Noahs Ark comes

complete with seven pairs of animals

and a Mr & Mrs Noah. The dolls buggy

and matching rocking cradle is a perfect

combination for any little princess..

For these and many other gifts:

Jack and Rosie. 116 Emersons Way, Emersons Green, BS16 7AS Tel: 0117 9575656

www.jackandrosie.co.uk

ChriSTMaS iS roSiE!

Bambinos

Who Said ThErE’S no

SUCh ThinG aS a GrUFFalo!

This absolutely gorgeous soft cuddlyGruffalo comes complete with terribletusks and terrible claws; Officiallylicensed and available in small,medium and large, see the website fora large range of fantastic Gruffalo gifts.Prices start from £7.99...

www.littlesunflowers.com

This award-winning software lets your baby tap and touch the keys on your computer for adorable

on-screen fun. The unique program locks out the system and protects your computer and files, allowing babies to touch any key at all.

Babies learn about and play with shapes,colours, animals, letters, numbers and more in differentfun-filled uniquelybaby friendly

environments - and all they have to

do is touch any key.

With 4 titles available; this is a great and unique gift!

www.gigglesuk.com

Bambinos Winter 27

Pretty in Pink™ range from Kids II offers toys in a perfectcombination of pink colours, flirty characters and fun, frillydetails. A portion of the proceeds go to breast cancer research, awareness and education to give girls a brighter tomorrow.

Available from:www.amazon.com

BaBY BYTES!

Here’s two brilliant gift ideas that weguarantee will be very well received and are a must have for all tots who have troublekeeping socks on and for those teethers and dribblers that need a neat little bib tomop up the drool...

Sock Ons® and Dribble Ons®

(both previously featured)have the ultimate accolade to sell themselves; our very own Bambinos’ baby Max uses both everyday!

Available from Mothercare. For other stockists details, visit;www.sockons.co.uk

GET iT on!

perfect presents...

PErFECTlY PrETTY

luxuriouslayers...

These beautiful and stunning swaddling shawls

are made of soft grey silk and high quality brushed

white cotton; they are also reversible. Imagine taking your

little one to celebrations over Christmas dressed

in the ultimate combination of style and comfort!

www.sarahsherrington.co.uk

Bambinos Winter 29

For

liKE FaThEr, liKE Son

We love these Twisted Twee father and son

t-shirts that come in a range of colours and

are a must for fashionable dad’s and their boys.

Available locally from: Jack & Rosie116 Emersons Way, Emersons Green, Bristol.BS16 7AS Tel: 0117 9575656 Available direct from:

www.twistedtwee.co.uk

a PinT & a halF

Stuck for a last-minute present for Dad?

How about this Lamborghini Murcielago LP 670-4

V12 Superveloce? With 670hp, its a great little

runaround! From £165k...

www.lamborghini.com

SToCKinGFillEr

A new take on the most traditional of

men's gifts; the humble sock. As the

name suggests, a ‘Pair and a Spare’

is a set of 3, comfy, stylish and quirky.

www.twistedtwee.co.uk

a Pair & a SParE!

We love this personalised washbag;simply send the picture that you wish tohave on it and Merci Maman will do therest. See this and many other lovely giftideas on their website...www.mercimaman.co.uk

WEll-GrooMEd

perfect presents...

Octopus Rock has the perfect

Christmas Gift, matching Father

and Son swimshorts, collections include

Vilebrequin and Acquarossa. Just quote

‘Bambinos’ in the comments box to

receive a 15% discount excl p&p.

www.octopusrock.com

Friends&Family

30 Bambinos Winter

For

Featured in Bambinos Issue 2, ACS offer something

unique and very original. An engraving specialist,

they are able to take a handwritten message from

your little one and transfer it to a metal frame exactly

replicating the handwriting. This gift will last forever,

see the website for more details...

www.acs-engraving.co.uk/kidsframes

naMES on FraMES

The most perfect way to thank your friends andfamily for babysitting over the last year! Let LidoHead-Chef Freddy Bird treat them to a ‘no menu’experience. They’ll indulge a range of starters, mains and desserts as a procession of dishes arrive at the table. Let them feel like food criticsfor the evening as they sample the best the Lidohas to offer. It’s the night one can forget aboutthe menu and the perfect gift for the true foodies.For more information visit:

www.lidobristol.com

CaPTUrE ThEMoMEnT...Bambinos’ likes to find something

a bit different and quirky when it

comes to gifts; Flying Saucers

never fails to deliver! - from mugs

and plates to piggy banks and

dinosaurs, your child can design a

work-of-art with fingers, toes or

brushes and dedicate it to that

special friend or family member...

Check out the website:

www.flyingsaucers.co.uk

Le Petit Chou showcases a delightful range of unique presents that friends and family will just adore;particular favourites are the French hand-paintedfurniture, china, lamps and gifts. An entire room isdedicated to Nordic-inspired Christmas decorations,we love the nursery garland. Other favourite gifts are the red & white dotty mugs in a matching gift box for just £12. So for a child-friendly welcomewhy not take a visit...

Le Petit Chou7 Regent Street, (Opp Pizza Express), Clifton Village, BS8 4HW. 0117 923 7772

ThE BEST Bird Food in ToWn...

PErFECT PrESEnTS...

PErFECT PrESEnTS...

family

By Bambinos FamilyLaw solicitor; Jayne Martins

LawContact at Christmas

32 Bambinos Winter

For most people, the run up to thefestive season can be a stressfulone, with the usual concerns

being whether you have enough timeto get all your Christmas shoppingdone, whether to buy turkey, goose or beef, and whether your Christmaswardrobe is up to scratch

However, where families are separatedparents can find the run up toChristmas an extremely stressful time, particularly for parents who areseparated from their children as theyhave the added worry of when thechildren will be able to spend time withthem over the Christmas period.

The issue of contact with childrenwhen families are separated is often a difficult one, not only over theChristmas period, but all year round.However, any difficulties can be oftenhighlighted over the Christmas perioddue to the nature of the festive periodas a family time. It is important thatany issues around contact are dealtwith sensitively and as amicably aspossible between the parents. It is important that children are keptout of conflict between the parents inrelation to contact arrangements asmuch as possible, as research indicatesthat conflict between the parents is themost damaging factor to a child ofseparating parents.

If problems do arise in respect ofcontact over the Christmas period,

there are some practical tips that maybe useful in dealing with these issues assensitively and amicably as possible:-

• Try to talk about the arrangementsfor Christmas contact as early aspossible. The children will want tosee both parents over the Christmasperiod, so it is important this isconsidered early.

• Where at all possible try not to havediscussions in front of the children,as this will cause further anxiety andstress for them, as children oftenwant to please both parents.

• Try to be flexible and open-mindedwhen thinking about when thechildren can see both parents, forexample, it is important thatChristmas Day is not looked at toorigidly as it is the Christmas periodas a whole that is important forchildren. For example, perhaps thechildren can have two ChristmasDays, - one on Christmas Eve andChristmas Day, or one on ChristmasDay and Boxing Day. Sometimes itis suitable for Christmas Day to besplit, so that the children can spendhalf the day at one parent's homeand half the day at the other parent's home. Remember, childrendo get involved in the Christmasspirit over the festive period and it is not the date of the 25thDecember that is necessarily the important thing.

• Try not to involve the children inthe decision-making process as much as possible. For example, donot ask the children what they want, as they may tell both parentsdifferent things to try and pleasethem. Instead, parents areencouraged to try and see it from the children's point of view andwork out an arrangement that would benefit their children best.

Many parents however find it almostimpossible to talk to their formerpartner or spouse about contactarrangements, or find it impossible to discuss the arrangements amicably.If this is the case and there are concerns over a parent's level ofcontact, there are ways to deal withthis. If a parent feels that their childrenare not able to have adequate contactwith themselves and that their contactis being restricted, an Application canbe made to the Court under Section 8of the Children Act 1989 for a DefinedContact Order. This allows the parentthe opportunity to discuss matters withthe other parent through the Courtprocess about the concerns they havein relation to contact to try to reachagreement. Where agreement can bereached, this would be put into a CourtOrder defining when the children areto have contact with both parents.This Court Order then must be adhered to. However, where parents are still having difficulties, the Courthas a number of powers available to it to assist the parties in makingarrangements in relation to contact.This can include engaging aCAFCASS Officer (Children AndFamily Court Advisor and SupportService) who is independent of theCourt but looks after the interests of the children involved in familyproceedings. The CAFCASS Officerwill work with the children and theirfamily as a whole and advise the Court on what they consider to be in the best interests of the childrenwhere parties cannot agree thisthemselves. The CAFCASS Officerwould make recommendations as to

the level of contact which the Courtwould take on board.

However, making an Application tothe Court should be the last resortwhere matters cannot be discussedamicably between you. The Court willexpect both parents to make decisionsbased on what is best for the children,and to encourage the children to have a good relationship with bothparents, which includes arranging for the children to spend time witheach parent.

If you find you are having somedifficulties in communicating with your previous partner in relation tocontact, you may like to considerattending mediation which wouldenable both parents the opportunity of meeting with an independentmediator and discussing any issues or concerns that you have. The mediator would then assist you in your discussions so that you are able to resolve issues amicably between yourselves without the need of going to Court.

Contact can often be a contentiousissue between separated parents.However, it does not have to be.Where communication is good between both parents, matters canoften be resolved amicably betweenthem, and the amount of time thatchildren spend with each parent will happen organically. The important thing to remember is that the children love both their parents and want to spend time with both of them, whilstunderstanding that parents who are separated will not be spendingextended periods of time together with the children but enjoy their time with their parents all the same.

We would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas. If you require any advice on this or any family issues, please contact Jayne Martins of the Family Law& Mediation Team at StoneKing LLP.

Bambinos Winter 33

family law

The Organic Toy Company offers the UK'swidest range of organic cotton toys - the purest choice for newborns (evenpremature babies) and children witheczema or allergies.

Now also stockists of certifiedorganic and unscented babyand child skincare! Kind tothe most delicate skin - and the planet too!

Visit: www.otoys.co.uk

Perfect and pure...

Boo’tiful for baby...

ec consciousBambinos

For one Dad, the amount of baby products full of unnatural chemicals and ingredients was aproblem... He wanted to make a difference to hischildren and decided to develop natural, organicbaby products that worked perfectly as well asfeeling and smelling wonderful and as a resultMaison Boo was born. The range includes babymassage oils, body wash, shampoos and balms,which are ideal for everyday use and great as giftsfor new parents.

Visit: www.maisonboo.co.uk

Here are a selection of eco-products that have recently caught our eye...

The Little Green Sheep’s recently

launched organic baby pouches

allow newborns the same

benefits older babies receive

from sleeping bags. Endorsed by

international sleep expert, Chireal

Shallow; “Your baby will sleep well and feel loved

in this pouch that fits so snug". A perfect gift

for Christmas!

Available from www.littlegreensheep.co.uk

Boo’tiful for baby...

FREE!

PURbabies organic product with every order over £50. Choose your product from mamigreen’s range and quote 'Bambinosand the gift name' in comments box at checkout.

ec conscious

As snug as a bug!

Bambinos’ love the fabulous range of babywraps and buckle carriers available fromSlumber-Roo which are ethically sourcedand available in a variety of fabric choicesincluding organic cotton, linen and silk.

We especially love the award-winning Beco Gemini, which is a 4-in-1 baby carrier offering four carrying positions. A comfortable, practical baby carrier with a definite sense of style.

For more information visit:www.slumber-roo.co.uk

For babies wholove cuddles...

eco-products

10% Discount

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Enter voucher code:

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36 Bambinos Winter

Survive the cold snap withthese recipes that will warmyou and your family, from

the inside out.

The often neglected root vegetablesare the stars of the show come winter and with good reason. Fresh from the ground to thekitchen, root vegetables offer us a diverse, colourful and tasty range of nutritious wonders.

Not only are they rich in anti-oxidants and vitamins, allessential for our immune systems, but they also help to keep us warm.This really is food as fuel. Assustaining as it comes, which is just what is needed to ward off the winter chills.

Root vegetables are wonderfullyversatile, perfect in slow cookedcasseroles, fragrant soups and heartygratins and these are what winterdining is all about. Head to yourlocal farmers market for your pick of the cream of the crop.

Louise Barnard,

Founder of Baby Bites

www.babybites.co.uk

is a Cordon Bleu trained

chef and founder of

Baby Bites. She is

passionate about the

importance of good

food for children.

All recipes are suitable

for children 6 months

plus just blend, chop or

mash as necessary.

Focus on:WintervegetablesWinter vegetablesfrequently get shortshrift, but eatingseasonally is good foryou. Seasonal meansfresh, naturally grownand full of nutrients.Seasonal vegetablesare more likely to havebeen grown locally andwithin their naturalenvironment. Not flownin from the other side of the world or forcegrown in green housesleaving them lacklustreand depleted in tasteand nutrients. Eatingseasonally is a moresustainable eatingmodel and it’s better for reducing our carbonfootprint. Finally it’ll save you money, whichin this financial climate is never a bad thing!

WinterBambinos

warmers

One pot wonders are incredibly versatile and

what begins life as a hearty stew will happily

become a lighter soup or broth the following

day for lunch. Just add some more stock, a

few extra vegetables and serve with toast

and grated cheese.

This casserole is quick to put together, all the

magic happens whilst it slowly bubbles away

on the stove. The vegetables are quick to

prepare, chopped into large chunks and

chucked into the pot. Feel free to use

whatever vegetables you have to hand, it’s

an especially good way to use up anything

left lurking at the bottom of the veg box at

the end of the week.

Serves 4-6 as a main course

Preparation: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 2-3 hours

Ingredients

• 600g of stewing beef cubed

• 100g of barley

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 onion or 2 shallots chopped into large chunks

• ½ a leek chopped into chunks

• 3-4 garlic cloves crushed or roughly chopped

• 1 stick of celery chopped into chunks

• 200g sweet potatoes chopped into chunks

• 200g parsnip chopped into chunks

• 200g swede peeled and chopped into chunks

• ½ a can of chopped tomatoes

• 1 tbsp of tomato puree

• Ground pepper to taste

• Several bay leaves, dried or fresh

• Several sprigs of fresh rosemary or a tsp of dried

• 1-2 tsp of dried mixed herbs

• A sprig of fresh thyme or tsp of dried

• 2 litres of vegetable, beef or chicken stock

• A handful of chopped fresh parsley

nutrition

Bambinos Winter 37

Beef and Barley Hotpot

Method1 Sautee the beef and onions in a large

pan with the olive oil

1 When the beef is nicely browned, add

the leek, garlic, celery, sweet potatoes,

parsnip and swede

2 Continue to sautee for a further few

minutes until the vegetables are

beginning to soften and colour

3 Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato

puree, the stock, bay leaves, rosemary,

thyme, mixed herbs and barley

4 Bring to the boil

5 Remove with the wors of any foam that

rises to the surface with a spoon

6 Give it a good stir, turn the heat down

low and cover with a lid

7 Leave it to simmer for a minimum of 1.5

hours. The longer it cooks the more the

flavours will develop and intensify and

the more meltingly tender the beef will

become. Test a piece of beef before

removing it from the heat, if it’s still a bit

chewy return it to the heat for another

half an hour

8 Stir occasionally to prevent the barley

sticking to the bottom of the pan.

9 When the beef is tender, remove from

the heat, stir through the fresh parsley

and serve

This dish can be left cooking in a low oven

or slow cooker for the day, the longer it

cooks the tastier it gets.

Bambinos Winter 37

Tip: There’s more than one

reason not to peel vegetables.

Not only will it save you time in the

kitchen it will also save all the

vitamins and minerals stored just

below the skin. Unless they are

pock marked and tough there’s

no need to do anything more than

giving them a good scrub.

Winter

warmers

This is one of those incredibly

versatile recipes that can be as

simple or decadent as you like. Try

adding different flavours such as vanilla,

cinnamon, lemon zest, orange zest and

nutmeg. For this recipe I’m suggesting a seasonal

apple and cranberry topping, but you could try using

mashed bananas and honey or in summer

strawberries and lavender.Method

1 Heat up a frying pan, add a knob of

butter, add the apple pieces and half the

cranberries. Sautee until the apple is soft

and golden. Transfer to a bowl and put to

one side

2 In a jug measure out the puree and milk,

add the eggs, mixed spice and vanilla and

remaining cranberries. Mix well

3 Slice the bread

4 Heat the frying pan over medium heat.

5 Soak bread slices in mixture until

saturated. Cook bread on each side until

golden brown.

6 Serve hot with the apples and some

yoghurt or crème fraîche

38 Bambinos Winter

Spiced Apple and CranberryFrench Toast

Ingredients

• 2-3 sweet eating apples peeled,

quartered and sliced

• 50g of cranberries

• ½ a teaspoon of mixed spice

• A few drops of vanilla extract

• 2 eggs

• 100ml of whole milk

• 100ml of apple puree (little packets

of baby purees are ideal if you don’t

want to make your own)

• A loaf of French bread or brioche

• A couple of knobs of butter

Cook with Mummy...(or Daddy!)Bambinos

What better way to while away an hour

or two than getting mucky in the

kitchen with your little ones.

They’ll love helping out almost as

much as they’ll love eating the end

product. Cooking is an important

life skill that is never too early to

start developing.

What they can do to help:• Help break the eggs

• Mix and stir

• Add the vanilla and spices

• Dip bread in the egg mix

• Add toppings

Cook with Mummy...(or Daddy!) An exquisite selection of new and pre-loved baby, toddler and maternity clothes

as well as a large selection of wooden toys and nursery equipment

116 Emersons Way, Emersons Green, Bristol. BS16 7AS ~ 0117 957 5656www.jackandrosie.co.uk

10%discount!For Bambinos’Readers

For everything you need: www.babygonappychange.com

Hey... don't get caught out!Have you heard about baby.go?baby.go is a compact and disposable nappy change productideal for quick and hygienic changes on the go and so small it fits into a pocket, glovebox, handbag or briefcase.

The perfect lightweight travel companion… baby.go is availablein four sizes: 2, 3, 4 & 4+ for babies 3-18 kg. The pack includesa nappy, baby wipes and an antiseptic hand wipe packed within a neatly folded, lightly padded changing mat. Once the change iscomplete the outer bag converts to a secure disposal bag, ideal for those nappy changes when you are ‘out and about’… are you ready to baby.go?

Bambinos Winter 41

FACEFACE

The National Literacy Trust discusses the frequently asked question: Which way should a buggy face?

Does it matter which way my pushchair faces?

Yes it does. There are many things to consider when

deciding which pushchair or buggy model to buy, but

foremost amongst them must be what's best for the

baby. To help early development, babies will benefit if

they are facing you in their pushchair. Babies are born

to be sociable but they need someone to be sociable

with in order to allow them to fully develop emotionally,

socially and as communicative babies. If they are facing

you, you can point out things along the way or respond

to anything that grabs your child’s attention.

Why is it better for my baby to be facing me?

Our research¹ has shown that if the baby is facing you,

you are twice as likely to talk as when your baby is

facing away from you. Furthermore, when adults talk,

babies communicate too. If you are face to face with

your baby as you go out and about, you will have the

opportunity to make eye contact and talk to your baby,

offering quality stimulation and instant reassurance.

Isn't it a bit early to be talking if the baby

can't talk back?

Most brain development occurs between birth and age

two, so that is when babies and toddlers need the

benefit of a language-rich start to life. Language is the

key to learning. Children's early communication skills are

regarded as the single best predictor of future cognitive

skills and school performance. In addition, the

ability to communicate is the basis of social and

emotional wellbeing. In our experimental study¹, half

of the 20 babies laughed in the face-to-face buggy,

but only one laughed while facing away.

If it's so important, why do most pushchairs

face forwards?

The prams we used to use, where the babies and

young children were face to face with their pusher,

high up off the ground, got replaced in the mid-1960s

when aircraft engineer Owen Maclaren designed

the collapsible lightweight stroller. The outward

orientation came to predominate, due to engineering

constraints. If your pushchair faces forward, make

sure there are other good communication opportunities

throughout the day for one-to-one conversations

which allow your young child to babble and respond

– perhaps by sharing books, singing songs and

playing together.

As my baby grows, won't he want to see the world?

The world as described by a parent or carer is a much

more interesting (and less frightening) place than

unknown, fast-moving scenes whizzing by without any

interpretation. If you have a two-way facing pushchair

you should use the sociable face-to-face option as

standard right up until walking has taken over as the

main form of transport, using the facing-out mode for

such things as trips to the city farm and zoo.

For more information on please visit www.talktoyourbaby.org.uk

The National Literacy Trust’s Talk To Your Baby campaign has been advocating for pusher-facing buggies since

teachers first suggested that the prevalence of forward-facing pushchairs might be one factor in the poor

communication skills presented by young children as they enter nursery or school. They are looking for every

opportunity to encourage parents and carers to talk more to their babies and young children. Learning to use

language is a complex process. The more adults communicate with infants, the more they enable them to develop

their talking, listening and concentration skills.

¹ What’s life in a baby buggy like? The impact of buggy orientation on parent-infant interaction and infant stress, Dr. M. Suzanne Zeedyk,November 2008; Download this report from http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/talktoyourbaby/pushchairs_research.html.

TO

Good food for your children

Baby Bites run Inspirational cookery classes that will give you the confidence, knowledge

and support to make feeding your little one and your family, simple, nutritious and tasty.

BabyBites are committed to using local, organic and seasonal produceContact us for more information, we would love to hear from you...

info@babybites.co.uk • 07531 237 527 • 01179 093 187

www.babybites.co.uk

Introducea friendto receive £2 Baby Bites’ credit

• Homemade food for your children lovingly made by us for you• Delicious, healthy and convenient without compromise

Mouthwatering children's food delivery service

Baby and children's food from £1.30Cookery workshops from £20

BabyBites are committed to using local, organic and seasonal produceContact us for more information, we would love to hear from you...

info@babybites.co.uk • 07531 237 527 • 01179 093 187

www.babybites.co.uk

BONJOUR

Fun French for Little Voices!

Young children have a natural gift for languages, so why not introduce your

little one to French today?

• Language learning through songs, rhymes, stories & craft activities...

• Small, friendly groups

• For children 10 months to 4 years

• Fun for grown-ups too!

• Classes 4 days a week in Bristol

For more information call Melanieon 07982 125361 or go towww.petitesvoix.co.uk

My daughter and I love this class!

It is such a fun way to learn French, sing,

make crafts and play. Melanie makes all the children

feel very welcome and group sizes are great.

Kate, mum to Aimee (2)

Take a trip to Nevil Lane...

44 Bambinos Winter

Offering a fantastic range of packages for

parents that suit all requirements and budgets,

Nevil Lane Studio will arrange a free consultation with

Jaine or Jacqueline by phone or at home to establish

exactly what you’re looking for. They can then create

a bespoke package that works for you and your family.

Children can be photographed individually, with siblings

or friends which can help if you want to split the cost with

other parents. This new Bristol-based company offers

a fresh and innovative approach to portraiture

- that we just love!

Visit www.nevillanestudio.com

Tel 07967 362 613

Our regular showcase feature

gives you a heads-up on the latest,

coolest, products and services!

in the spotlight

Bambinos

Bambinos Winter 45

Baby changing bags are essential for days

out, as they carry all of baby’s essential bits

and bobs! MaByLand.com offer a choice

of changing bag sets suitable for mum and

dad to use. Designed by a mum, both styles

of bag include a matching cushy changing

mat, bottle warmer/cooler (either built in or

separate), and detachable shoulder strap ideal

for your buggy. The easy maintenance, wipe

clean bags are waterproof too, which is perfect

for the unpredictable English weather! As well as being

very roomy these bags are cute and stylish, and could also

make a wonderful gift! Daily Changing Bag £47.49 Overnight

Changing Bag £49.99

Call us on 0208 8790 080 Visit us at www.mabyland.com

Change in style!

Great

gift idea!

Celebrate the special people in your life withpersonalised jewellery from Chambers & Beau.Heirloom quality sterling silver jewellery that seeks to honour a life, a love or the most important relationship in your world!.

Tel 07979 800441www.chambersandbeau.com

Make it personal!

Chock-full of imaginative musicalstorytelling and play activities, At-Bristol’sToddler Takeover days are exclusively for theenjoyment of the under fives and their parents.January’s theme is ‘Crazy Creatures’ and willexplore all things animal! There are 'make and take'activities galore, get star-struck with the ‘Little StarsPlanetarium Show’ and go wild in the under eights

areas ‘Fossils and Funnybones’ and ‘Jet set go’!...With reduced price tickets and full facilities for the little

ones, this will make a truly exciting day to remember!

Dates for 2011: January 14 ‘Crazy Creatures’,March 25 ‘Super senses’, May 6 ‘Come rain or shine’.Visit the website for more information

www.at-bristol.org.uk

Toddler Takeover!

At B

ristol pictures by Sam

Jolly

Fantastic

Bristol

dayout!

spotlight

Hired help is at hand

Medela has launched an exciting new

development to its rental service giving

breastfeeding mums the opportunity to hire

its hospital-grade breastpump in the comfort

of their own homes.

This innovative rental service is a direct response tocustomer demands. Having been asked by busy mums on countless occasions where they can get their hands

on the ‘yellow pump’ they used in hospital, the Medela team got thinking. Previously only available through an agent thisnew development means that mums and baby’s that want thebest can now get the best.

Renting the Symphony will provide mums with the ultimatebreastfeeding support, giving them access to the breastpumpwhich is used in over 90% of UK hospitals.

The Symphony double pump, which is the first choice forhealth professionals around the world and is the mosttechnologically advanced breast pump on the market, is nowavailable direct from Medela. The process is simple. Just onephone call to the Medela team and the pump will be deliveredstraight to your door the very next day by courier. Collectionis made once mums have finished. The added benefit ofexpert customer care and advice from an experiencedlactation specialist from Medela at any point throughout therental period will make this a desirable breastpump solutionfor many mums.

For more information, prices and to order apump please telephone: 0870 950 5994or visit: www.medela.co.uk

a day in the life...The Baby's Day journal allows daily

events to be recorded quickly and easily,

which then acts as a great reference

i.e. when baby last fed, last had

a wet nappy - which are so

important when caring for

a new baby.

Baby’sday

12

9

6

For more information

and testimonials visit:

www.babysday.co.ukFind us on facebook!

3

an innovative new product

designed to support new and experienced parents through the first months of baby’s life

Giveaways

For your chance to win a family ticket and lunch in the cafe, email your nameand address to: jane@bambinosmagazine.comPlease title email ‘at-bristol comp’

Bambinos

For your chance to win a Bambinos subscription email your name and address to:jane@bambinosmagazine.comPlease title email ‘subscription comp’

A potty, parent & child haircuts.. a lovely visit to ‘At Bristol... AND Bambinos’!!

A Pourty Potty!

Bambinos! ‘At-Bristol’

For your chance to win a Pourty Potty, email

your name and address to:jane@bambinosmagazine.com

Please title email ‘pourty comp’

To win a super-stylish childand adult ek haircut, emailyour name and address tojane@bambinosmagazine.comPlease title email ‘ek hair comp’

ek Haircut’s

48 Bambinos Winter

LidolifeBristol's Victorian Lido dates

back to 1849. Two years ago itunderwent a major transformation

and re-opened with the addition of threefurther features to the newly-refurbishedoutdoor heated pool.

The fantastic restaurant is run by head-chefFreddy Bird and takes inspiration fromSouthern Europe and the Middle East. It sources the finest ingredients, whetherthey are from overseas or locally grown inthe Lido Kitchen Garden.

The poolside bar is a wonderful place to relax and is open all day serving breakfasts, snacks and tapas and of course, wonderful premium coffee.

The Lido Spa is the place to escape day-to-day rigours and discover true holistic treatments in Bristol's mosttranquil location.

The experience of a treatment at the Lido extends beyond the massage or facialas your treatment also incorporates someprecious 'me time' in the decadent Spa Tea Room.

The beautiful swimming baths and lovely relaxation facilities combined with the great food and unique Lidoenviroment make it easy to see why thishas become such a highly desirable year-round destination.

Bambinos Winter 49

LidolifeB

orn and bred in North Bristol,Richard was the very firstmember to swim in the pool

when it re-opened in December 2008.He has been coming to Lido since the1980’s and on the opening day ofeach season he’s always one of the first to swim!

Richard is a member of the Outdoor

Swimming Association and ispassionate about lidos and outdoorswimming venues. He likes to takepart in Aquathlon’s, a continous racewhich incorporates running andswimming, he uses the lido to train and 3 times a week swims 750 metres.

Richard Nuell

Sam and Stacey are bothemployees at the Lido and afterbecoming a couple, are now

expecting their first baby; The Lido used to be a place where single peoplemet and lots have married and settledtogether since, Sam and Stacey are the new Lido generation couple withtheir baby on the way!

Sam has worked as Sous Chef since the opening in 2008, he previouslyworked in QV in Bristol and before that at the famous Moro Restaurant

in London.

Stacey is originally from Adelaide and fell in love with Bristol whilst travelling.She worked at the Glassboat beforejoining the Lido in February 2009, she is now the bar manager.

Sam Sohn-Rethel &

Stacey Smith

Penny and Brian arefrequent visitors to theLido.They used to own

the Downs Fitness Centre onBlack Boy Hill which they ranfor 26 years. They are bothkeen on keeping fit, Brian hastrained 3 times a week for 58 years!

Brian visits the Lido daily “asit’s a great place to relax aftera gym workout and enjoy a great cup of coffee whilst reading the paper”.Penny uses both the bar and restaurant and loves fact that “it’s a casualaffair where the staff make you feel welcome”.

At Bambino’s we regularly visit the Lidofor a coffee and a break, Here are someof the other Lido regulars...

Paul is the MaintenanceManager at the Lido.He met owner, Arne,

whilst painting a launderettein Kingsdown. ‘Arnecommented on what a greatjob I was doing and would Ibe interested in painting hisboat… to my surprise it wasnot a small row boat butwhat we now know as theGlassboat Restaurant’.

Mark Thwaites, The Lido General Managersumms Paul up:‘Paul is an integral part ofthe Lido, not only did he help refurbish it but he maintains our high standards on a daily basiswith a big smile, no job is too small or beneathhim.’ If you asked our members about the staff and characters, Paul would always berecognised as one of the most significantcontributors to its daily operation as well as our most friendly character.’

Penny & Brian Down

Paul Wyatt

50

Tuesday 8am

I’m visiting Jenny, Mark and three year old Archie

again, and four week old Maria. I’m staying for

12 hours. Archie is sleeping well and hasn’t been

disturbed by the arrival of Maria due to Jenny and

Mark’s continuing confidence at putting him to bed;

he’s happy and safe in his routine.

Jenny wants advice about Maria who was settling

easily, sleeping anywhere, but last week this changed.

It’s a typical pattern: Maria has gained awareness of

her surroundings, and no longer wants to sleep just

anywhere. Jenny is breastfeeding and Maria’s weight

gain is good. I suggest Jenny keeps a diary of Maria’s

day. This might establish whether Maria follows any

natural patterns of her own. Being so tired you often

can’t remember one 30 minutes to the next!

Archie’s at nursery today so we concentrate on Maria.

11. 30am

I observed a good feed at 10.15am. Maria then sat in

her bouncy chair but after a short while began

grumbling. Usually, to keep Maria quiet Jenny carries

her around doing household chores, but this

continued stimulation means Maria becomes fretful

when Jenny tries to settle her.

Maria’s been awake for almost two hours, since the

hour long nap she’d had taking Archie to nursery at

8.45am. I advise Jenny that Maria is probably tired

and explain how to check for sleep signs – such as

her head moving side to side, no eye contact or

turning away from toys. It’s clear Maria’s tired. To settle

her I ask Jenny to adopt a specific strategy. Maria will

learn what to expect and Jenny will become confident

with a method that works.

We dim the lights cutting out stimulation. Jenny

questions whether she wants Maria getting used to

sleeping in the dark during daytime. I explain few

adults fall asleep in daylight so why expect a baby to?

Maria will still take some daytime sleeps in her pram.

Next we half swaddle Maria and Jenny cuddles her,

‘shushing’ quietly, patting her back. Maria continues to

cry, in response Jenny moves. I advise her to keep still

as each movement stimulates Maria further. Within

about five minutes Maria calms

down and just before she’s asleep Jenny

pops her in the cot, keeping a hand on her tummy

for comfort, continuing to ‘shush’. Then we leave.

Settling a baby awake is very important, as is slowly

withdrawing, especially as Maria learns this new skill.

Maria wakes again and so we repeat the process.

Four re-settles later Maria eventually sleeps from

12pm to 13.30pm.

6.00pmAlthough Maria napped in the front pack whilst

collecting Archie at 3.30pm, she is unsettled now.

We check for sleep signs and notice she’s rooting.

As earlier she awoke nearly two hours ago. Jenny

says this can be an unsettled time. I explain many

babies cluster feed late afternoon/ early evening,

probably because Mum’s been up all day and her

milk’s not as fatty as in the morning. Also although

Maria’s slept well it’s been a busy day; she’s now

ready to settle after lots of stimulation.

Jenny already knows how important a bedtime

routine is, no matter how small the baby. She dims the

lights, plays lullabies and feeds Maria. Jenny uses the

same strategy as before: placing Maria in her cot then

withdrawing. After three re-settles Maria’s fast asleep,

waking again after 10pm for another feed.

8.00pmBefore I leave we discuss today’s issues; watching

for tiredness signs, not allowing Maria to become

overtired and therefore difficult to settle, putting Maria

down to sleep following the same strategy every time

so she learns that sleep is coming and feels safe, and

using the diary for guidance. Over time she will go

happily into her cot awake and settle herself.

Babies aren’t born knowing how to settle themselves.

I believe teaching them this is one of the most

empowering lessons of all. Establishing your baby’s

sleep pattern will depend on the family’s needs, and

different families are ready for this at different stages.

For 4 week old Maria and mother Jenny this strategy

allowed for calmer sleep times. This approach

doesn’t mean leaving babies to cry, it’s about gradual

withdrawal, creating a safe environment with a method

that both baby and parents are comfortable with.

Diary of a night nanny...

Camilla Rabey, has 14 years of experience of working as a nanny, maternity nurse andnight nanny and is mother to 6 month old Ralph. She owns Night Nannies, who providefamilies with expert advice on feeding and sleeping patterns for babies and young children. Here, Camilla revisits a family she has previously worked with...